A bloodied and devastated Kalyn Ponga has taken responsibility for one of Queensland’s most painful State of Origin collapses after his dramatic send-off helped spark an astonishing NSW comeback in Sydney.
The shattered Maroons fullback fronted the media with blood still dripping from his ear following Queensland’s brutal 22-20 loss at Accor Stadium, a defeat that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in Origin history.
Ponga became just the seventh player ever sent off in a State of Origin match after a controversial shoulder-charge incident involving Tolu Koula late in the second half.
And while the State of Origin star escaped suspension – instead hit with a $6900 fine – the emotional toll of watching Queensland implode from a commanding 22-6 lead appeared far heavier.
“I’m not proud of it,” Ponga admitted. “The boys had to work a lot harder because of me being off the field so that is something I am not proud of. But shit happens.
“At the end of day it was my action that forced the boys to work extra hard. So there is a level of responsibility there. For it to come down to the last minute and a half, it’s pretty heartbreaking. I was the reason it happened.”
The Maroons looked in complete control before the match turned on one explosive moment.
As Koula burst into space, Ponga rushed across in cover defence and collided heavily with the NSW flyer. Referee Ashley Klein immediately deemed the contact severe enough for a send-off – one of the most extraordinary officiating decisions seen in Origin football.
Queensland players furiously argued the incident was merely a head clash, while television commentary erupted with disbelief as rugby league greats Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith questioned the ruling on air.
The controversy deepened when Ponga later escaped with only a grade-two charge from the NRL judiciary, avoiding suspension entirely despite being marched from the field.
Koula, meanwhile, will miss two matches for Manly Warringah Sea Eagles because of concussion protocols.
Ponga revealed after the game he initially believed he had merely been sin-binned.
“I thought it was 10 minutes and they might have assessed me for a head knock,” he said. “But it is what it is and the ref made the call.
“The refs are refs. They will make their decision. But I am not going to try and persuade them, that’s not my job.”
Adding to Queensland’s agony, NSW’s winning try came in cruel fashion when Blues captain James Tedesco soared over stand-in fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the dying stages to complete the biggest comeback in Origin history.
The result leaves the Maroons needing victories in both Melbourne and Brisbane to retain the shield, a mountain they famously climbed last year after also dropping the opening match.
Queensland coach Billy Slater refused to criticise the officiating after fulltime, while veteran forward Pat Carrigan rallied behind his fallen teammate.
“It’s tough. That’s the way the dice rolls,” Carrigan said. “I thought he had a head clash, he had claret coming from the ear. He felt that too. But that’s just what it is, you have to deal with it.
“I trust KP, I trust his gut, and unfortunately that was the decision that was made and you have to live with it.”
For Ponga, though, the images of Queensland’s collapse – and his walk from the field – may linger long after the series is decided.
Image: Sunrise
